Chapter 12
Chapter
Twelve
T he twins were crawling around on their blanket in the middle of the family room, which had been converted from some kind of formal drawing room that had been closed off for years.
Unlike the more formal living room up front, the family room had soft furnishings, no sharp edges.
Toys lay strewn across the floor and the big pack and play sat waiting for when the wee ones needed a nap.
Reed sat in a big recliner in the corner of the room, knitting something, a hobby the young man had taken up after the babies were born. Hamish was sprawled on the floor with Des, corralling the babies as they made their determined way to the edge of the blanket.
Alistair lay on the big leather sectional, bare toes hanging off one end, humming as he read a book.
Des had never been more content in his life.
They had closed up the penthouse for the most part, bringing their chef, Francois, and his assistant and his valet to stay with them. If he needed to go into the city, Des simply made a day trip.
This was where his family was, and he had no desire to leave.
He could freaking telecommute.
Hamish’s phone dinged, and he sat up to glance at it. He gave Des a satisfied grin. “The last Galandel clan member left town today.
“Excellent.”
“Yay!” Reed called from his chair.
Starry looked down at him. “My corporate raider.”
“They can set up their circus tent in some other place,” he rejoined. “They will no longer bother my family. Or yours, Reed.”
Reed glanced up, worry crossing his face. “Are you sending me back to my clan?”
“No.” Starry and Hamish both said it at the same time.
Well, that was definite. “No, little one. I’m not. You have a place here as long as you like.”
Reed glanced at Hamish, his cheeks flushing. “Cool.”
“Do you mind watching the kids for a minute, guys?” Starry said, rolling to his feet.
Hamish waved him off. “Reed and I have this.”
“Thank you.” Starry held a hand down to Des, and he grabbed it to rise to standing. “Come on, love.”
Des followed him out to the hall. “Is everything all right, baby?” He assumed so. Starry was smiling.
“I just wanted to say I was proud of you for making the coup without violence.” Starry put a hand on his chest. “It’s a much more auspicious beginning for the twins that way.”
He took Starry’s hand in his, giving his mate a kiss. “You’re welcome.”
“So you want to come upstairs with me?”
Des’s nose flared, because his mate’s scent told him Starry wanted him. Badly.
“Hmm. Are you ready to let me have you again, all the way Knot and all?”
“Knot and all,” Starry agreed, heading for the stairs.
Des scooped him up and ran, his body on fire for his mate. “Well, let me rescue you from this need, my love.”
Starry laughed with sheer joy, wrapping both arms around his neck. “That’s you, Des. Always my hero.”
End